Joseph is an out-of-the-way place in northeastern Oregon that rarely shows up on maps, but frequently appears in travel writing and destination lists. It’s a place where the simple, rural life is part of the charm.

The John Day River winds through the rugged terrain of Eastern Oregon. Come celebrate all of the good things and fun times this wide-open country has to offer during the Taste of Oregon’s Old West, September 12, 2015, at Cottonwood Canyon State Park, located on Oregon Highway 206, between Wasco and Condon. Expect locally grown food and drink, family activities, art and music, and information about lodging and recreational opportunities.

Stunning views next to the Bridge of the Gods—Bridgeside (formerly Charburger) still serves tasty char-broiled burgers plus an extensive menu of breakfast items, chowders, fish and chips, a fresh salad bar, sandwiches, and desserts. New name, new management, but historic charm and Western artifacts remain. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and did we mention views?) Amentities include gift shop, special event room and terrace

Built in 1910; the hotel has the charm of the past and the luxury of today–the best of the old and the new. East of John Day at the foot of the Strawberry Mountains, directly on the Old West Scenic Bikeway and the Journey Through Time Byway. On the main street of Prairie City near restaurants, antiques and other unique shopping. Nine comfortable rooms with private baths. 2015 Award of Excellence from TripAdvisor. Wine and beer bar, lobb y , backyard patio and community kitchen.

BGood Bars are not your ordinary energy bar. They are Artisan-made & hand dipped in Fair Trade dark chocolate in small batches to bring you the best quality healthy snack. Six Gluten-Free varieties are made with organic & quality natural ingredients, sweetened only with local honey & the naturally occurring sugar of the fruit, & dark chocolate. Ultimately the best food choices will always be those that are closest to their original forms in nature. Bhappy, Bhealthy, BGood!

Cimmiyotti’s is born again. Founded in 1959, the restaurant was an Eastern Oregon favorite for decades, owner Paul Cimmiyotti personally greeting each guest at the door. After the restaurant sold in 1994, it went through many owners, fell into disrepair and eventually shuttered. Fate intervened in 2009 when Jennifer Keeton, a waitress from Mariposa, California, happened upon the place, and fell in love with it. She spent months commuting and renovating it to its original splendor, adding “Virgil’s” in honor of her father. The restaurant is a trifecta—delicious food, enchanting atmosphere and outstanding service.

Take the family to Joseph to raft the Grande Ronde River. Winding Waters River Expeditions, based in Joseph, provides an all-inclusive whitewater experience that is fun for all ages. The Grande Ronde flows through a deep canyon lined with Ponderosas, providing a gorgeous backdrop as you float through class II rapids. Locally-sourced gourmet meals are provided on the river, one of the many perks that make a Winding Waters rafting trip the ultimate relaxing weekend getaway.

Adventuring into the Wilderness on horseback is a memory that will last a lifetime. The Wallowa Mountains in Northeast Oregon, have many enriching experiences to offer. Characterized by their high granite peaks, alpine lakes, meadows, and glacial shaped valleys, the Eagle Caps and Hells Canyon offer some of the best wildlife viewing in the state with an array of plants and animals.